Montserrat Today
For Monday/Tuesday May 04/05, 1998
Presented by the Information Unit of the
Government of Montserrat's Emergency Department
THE VOLCANIC EXPLANATION:
The activity at the Soufriere Hills Volcano remains at a low level. There have been just a few rockfall signals and some volcano-tectonic earthquakes at depths of about 3 to 5 kms below the surface.
Over the weekend there was some mudflow signals after some periods of heavy rain and all these seem to have been in the Tar River Valley area.
Dust levels at all monitoring stations are low.
SOME CATTLE RETRIEVED:
Some cattle were retrieved from the Long Ground area over the holiday weekend in a joint operation by farmers, Ministry of Agriculture, Police and MVO officials. Some three dozen head of cattle had been spotted in the area from the air, but only about half of these were brought out in the exercise.
Later this week it is hoped to ship some 200 head of cattle to Dominica from Montserrat to relieve the loose livestock situation.
PLYMOUTH JETTY INSPECTED:
In the recent lull in activity at the Soufriere Hills Volcano the opportunity was taken to inspect the Plymouth Jetty.
Engineers have found major cracks on the jetty and also some movement due to volcanic activity. It was also noticed that the jetty is becoming silted up as pyroclastic flow material reached the sea in this area. Currently, the Little Bay Jetty in the north of the island in being used in lieu of the Plymouth facility.
CENTRAL ZONE EVACUATION PLAN PUBLISHED:
The Emergency Dept's Evacuation Plan for the Central Zone has been published. Copies have been made available to all Government Dept's, the private sector and to the media. There are several copies at the Public Library for members of the general public to read.
Later this week a Resident's Guide to the Evacuation of the Central Zone will also be made publis and every home will be issued with a copy.
PERSONS INVITED TO CLAIM STOLEN GOODS:
The stolen goods recovered by Police last week from persons suspected of looting in the Exclusion Zone are to be inspected by residents who have suffered losses to theft.
ZJB this morning (Tuesday) reported that anyone who has lost goods due to looting can make a claim at the St Peter's Police Station, however they must be able to prove ownership of the goods.
It is reported that so far three persons have been charged with respect to the recovered goods.
TOPOGRAPHICAL SURVEY TO BE UNDERTAKEN:
The new site for refuse disposal at New Windward is about to undergo a topographical survey by Health and Communications and Works staff to see the best layout for the site.
MVO surveying equipment will be used in an effort to get the site ready as soon as possible. The present site at Little Bay is almost full and every effort is being made to open the new site as soon as possible.
More information later in the week..........................